Shelter Island’s Sunset Beach, on Long Island, served as a picturesque backdrop for an assembly of restomod cars during my visit at the end of the summer. Among the gathering, one could spot classic vehicles like the Ford Bronco and the Corvette Stingray, each exuding the charm of a bygone era. These classic lines and silhouettes held the power to evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting their owners back in time, or perhaps granting them the chance to experience a history they never had. However, beneath the vintage exteriors, these automobiles concealed modern powerhouses, their revitalized engines producing resonant roars, and their interiors meticulously preserved to exhibit a forward-looking approach.
Amidst this nostalgic automotive gathering, the J Craft 42 Torpedo made an appearance, a boat that artfully marries the aesthetics of La Dolce Vita with impeccable craftsmanship and high-performance capabilities. The J Craft 42 served as the official tender during the esteemed Monaco Yacht Show in September and the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world’s largest in-water boating event. The boat made its debut in the United States last year at the Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Radenko Milakovic, the owner of the J Craft brand, describes their target clientele as those who possess a genuine connection to vintage boats. He notes that these individuals may have cherished memories of such boats from their childhood, or they may have yearned for these classic vessels during their youth but were unable to access them. Now, they aim to acquire one as a testament to their success.
J Craft’s factory is situated in Gotland, Sweden, on the unpredictable Baltic Sea. Although these boats may resemble the wooden runabouts gracefully gliding across Lake Tahoe and Lake Como, they are fundamentally different. The 42 Torpedo is constructed from fiberglass with a resin-infused hull, a design choice aimed at achieving a wooden appearance without the extensive maintenance requirements often associated with wooden boats, especially in saltwater environments. The vessel is also designed to exude elegance while withstanding the Baltic’s frequently turbulent waters.
The 42 Torpedo features a hull specifically designed for Volvo Penta pod-drives, boasting a 17.2-degree deadrise at the transom, as well as a flared bow and a Zipwake trim system that ensures a dry and smooth ride.
During my time at the helm, cruising along the Peconic Bay, I was delighted by the Torpedo’s performance, even though we did not encounter any challenging Baltic-like conditions. It exhibited remarkable stability while handling light swells and passing wakes. The boat reached a top speed of 42 knots, one knot short of its reported 43-knot maximum, yet it delivered an exhilarating experience in an open boat. Cruising at 36 knots, I skillfully maneuvered the 42 through S-turns and tight loops, and it responded like a sports car, displaying exceptional wheel responsiveness and rapid acceleration when exiting turns.
The boat’s steering wheel is crafted by the Italian manufacturer Nardi, an automotive-inspired detail that signifies the boat’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The upholstery on the boat is entirely customizable, allowing customers to choose from a range of options, including Ralph Lauren’s iconic tartan, Loro Piana, or Hermés.
The woodwork on the vessel, particularly in the cabin, is of a standard that mirrors that of megayacht tenders. The rich wood grains and seamless joinery exemplify the boat’s exquisite quality. Notably, on the test boat I boarded, there was a teak chair integrated over the toilet—a whimsical homage to the King of Sweden, one of the brand’s clients.
Among the many illustrious clients drawn to J Craft’s boats are King Carl XVI Gustaf and the owner of one of the world’s largest gigayachts. However, it is not just the tangible aspects that attract these A-list customers. When one can acquire anything they desire, it is the intangible qualities that become most significant. In the case of J Craft, this intangible allure is created by scarcity, as the brand produces only one or two boats each year, establishing a strong seller’s market.
For Radenko Milakovic, J Craft represents more than just a business selling boats. He expressed a reflective sentiment as we sat at the Torpedo’s transom, watching the sunset over Shelter Island’s bay. He articulated his desire to leave a lasting legacy, something tangible that he can take pride in, a legacy that extends beyond his lifetime.
